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Know When It’s Time to Replace Your System and How Much It Will Cost
When a septic system becomes problematic or just can’t keep up with the household usage, it may be time to replace your system. Septic system replacement can be more costly than a new system. Below are the two biggest factors that can add time and money.
Installation access
Septic systems are usually in backyards, so it’s difficult for excavation machinery, dump trucks, and septic tank delivery trucks to reach them from the street. Existing fences, landscaping, trees, driveways, and other structures can also get in the way. The job can be completed with much less expense and time if direct access is available.
Additional repairs
Many homes have existing irrigation systems, landscaping, fencing, and other structures that may need to be removed or become damaged during the installation process. Installation machinery can crack driveways and tear up landscaping. It can also damage underground lines such as irrigation, cable, telephone, and gas lines. Allow for these possible replacements and repairs in your septic installation budget. It is very important to know ahead of time what system replacement entails, what may become damaged during installation, and what is not included in the septic company’s cost. You’ll get a much more accurate picture of what your new septic system will cost.
Design Process
There is not a one-size-fits all system, and many factors need to be considered during the design and pricing process.
- Size of property
- Slope of property
- House location
- Number of bedrooms in the home
- Square footage of the home
- Relation of septic system to the ground’s surface, well, bodies of water, or future swimming pools
- Future improvements
There are three steps you must also complete, as required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
- A TCEQ-licensed site evaluator evaluates your property and soil type to determine the appropriate type of septic system.
- A TCEQ-licensed engineer or registered sanitarian drafts designs for your septic system, taking into account information provided by the site evaluator and sizing requirements. The design must be approved by the local designated representative (usually the county for most cases in Texas).
- The system is installed by a TCEQ-licensed Installer I or Installer II (depending on the system type). The installer coordinates inspections with the designated representative during the installation process. The designated representative then issues a license to operate the system once all inspections are complete.
During this process, there’s a good chance you may have to hire three contractors: a site evaluator, a designer, and an installer. In some instances, you may only have to hire two contractors as some site evaluators can also complete the design.
The good news: other contractors (and companies like ours) provide turn-key installation: You hire one person for everything!
We do everything, from start to finish, saving you time and hassle. We have over 78 years of installation experience, providing you with the most qualified and experienced professionals.The process doesn’t end once the system is installed. Every type of septic system requires ongoing maintenance. For more information about maintenance or if you’d like a quote for a septic system installation, give us a call at 830.249.4000 (Boerne) or 210.698.2000 (San Antonio). You can also schedule an appointment online.
See more at: “Septic System Planning: What to Know When Building a New Home”